Sri Lanka has been admitted to the Foundation Council, the Governing Body of the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP). Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha represented Sri Lanka for the first...

Consideration of the Fifth Periodic Report of Sri Lanka under the Committee Against Torture (CAT) took place at the 59th Session of the Committee Against Torture, held at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, on 15-16 November 2016. Hon. Jayantha...

Statement by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, MP Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka High Level Segment of the 22ndSession of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22)
and 12th Session of the...

“Tobacco & alcohol control at top of my national agenda”
President Maithripala Sirisena urged the world community to resist the attempts of the tobacco industry to undermine tobacco control through litigation and interference in government policy-making.
“We know that...

Our development strategy is to trade successfully with the vibrant market in the Indian Ocean. In this venture, we intend to create a law-abiding economic environment in order to provide a platform for sustainable development. In the present context,...

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera called for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to move into a new era of dynamism, when he addressed the 16th Council of Ministers Meeting (CoMM) of IORA held on 27th October 2016 in Bali, Indonesia. In his address,...

The celebration of this 67th anniversary of our Independence is of special significance as it sees the launch of a new era of Good Governance in the country.

This comes with a new commitment to the unity of our people, to safeguard freedom and democratic rights, and proceed to a future that moves further from the re-emerging forces of colonialism.

The strengthening and progress of peace in our country requires social, political and economic policies that give the highest priority to the needs of the people. This includes social welfare, economic progress, and a determined move towards good governance, which is in keeping with the traditions of tolerance and understanding of our country.

The continuing strength of our freedom that was won 67 years ago, requires the advance of our youth through the acquisition and development of new skills, access to new knowledge and technology, and re-kindling the spirit of freedom throughout our land.

This celebration of freedom is the time to pay our tribute to the security forces that defended our sovereignty and territorial integrity with great sacrifice in the battle against terrorism. It also reminds us of the great freedom fighters of the past from all communities, religions, and ideologies who carried on the struggle for freedom from colonial rule.

This is also the time to remember the spirit of unity that has prevailed in our land through the centuries, and drives us to work hard to achieve national unity in all its aspects, with reconciliation that comes through Metta or Loving Kindness to all.

We remain committed to our policy of Non-Alignment in our foreign relations, looking forward to greater friendship with the world community, and international relations that will support our moves for peace, stability, democracy and prosperity.

The progress of our nation in unity and understanding calls for patriotism that not only transcends the barriers of geography and community, but also focuses on the elimination of corruption in all its forms, and encourages genuine service to the people by their leaders.

As we move forward in freedom, let us ensure the strengthening of peace and harmony to bring every success to our children and future generation who will inherit this land. Let us join in a pledge to build a future of peace, freedom and prosperity in the shining light of honesty of purpose and Good Governance.